Interview with Eileen Geller

Q: Where did you grow up?  Tell us about your family.

Eileen: I grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY to parents who came to America in their teens.  Our home was Orthodox, where Shabbat and holidays were strictly observed.

Q: How long have you lived in Miami?

Eileen: Before retirement, the Rabbi and I would come down for a month during the winter.  We liked the area and in anticipation of his retirement, decided to buy a small condo to use during the winter months.  When not in Florida, we live in our home in Gloucester, MA where we raised our family.

Q: We are very fortunate that you decided to join our congregation. What drew you to Emanu-El?

Eileen: I started attending Emanuel-El for Shabbat services during the month we were on the Beach. When the Rabbi retired and we started to come down for a longer period, we joined the synagogue.

Q: What's your favorite activity or aspect at the congregation?

Eileen: I enjoy Shabbat services, especially the Cantor’s melodies.

Q: I know that your husband, Rabbi Myron Geller – a previous pulpit rabbi in MA and current rabbi at Temple Emanu-El – greatly admires you (and has since you were a teenager).  Please tell us a bit about your unique relationship.

Eileen: We lived in the same neighborhood, we met in 1955; I was 16 and he 18. We hung out together for many years before marrying in 1960.  In our society, it was a most unusual relationship.

Q: Which Jewish holiday do you find most meaningful?

Eileen: Passover is my favorite.  For 37 years I have hosted a large seder for the same friends (plus others.)  Our kids have grown up together and we have incorporated the next generation with their partners and children.  This year, my son and daughter-in-law will be hosting seder at our house while we are here {in Miami}.

Q: Do you have a favorite tzedakah project -- through volunteering, contributions, or other support?

Eileen: I’ve been very involved with Sisterhood and Hadassah in our Gloucester congregation and also taught and led the congregational religious school for several decades.

Q: Is there an area of Jewish learning you'd like to explore more?

Eileen: I have a rather intensive Jewish education.

Q: Do you have a Jewish figure or role-model whom you admire (contemporary or past)?

Eileen: I always admired Deborah the prophetess.  I even named one of my daughters Deborah.  To me, she was a strong liberated woman.

Q: Where do you like to spend your free time?

Eileen: Visiting my grandkids -- I have seven.  Three in Owings Mills, MD, three in Farmington Hills, MI and the youngest born two months ago in Brookline, MA.

Q: Any special talents or interesting trivia?

Eileen: I enjoy going to antique shops and auctions and collect antiques and paintings.

Q: What's something that most people don't know about you?

Eileen: I used to be a terrific handball player and could beat the boys I played against.

Q: Your favorite food or beverage?

Eileen: Salami sandwiches with Coke.

Q: And lastly, what idea or wish do you have for the congregation/community?

Thank you, Eileen!